An Outside, Expert Opinion on the New Library, Events Center, Parking Project

Kevin Ratigan, FAIA, LEED AP is Senior Vice President and a Principal of Architects Design Group. With more than 30 years of experience in master and strategic planning of projects, he is past President and a member of the Board of Directors for the Orlando Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and served as Director for the Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional.

"I reviewed the Task Force information that you provided and am very impressed by the thorough analysis and vetting of the issues surrounding the New Library proposal.

The Library of the 21st Century must address a multitude of issues the existing library cannot meet. As the Task Force concluded, the concept of expanding the existing Library is not a good investment. The existing site would also seem to be limited in the potential of building new, moving and tearing down the existing building. It seems clear that other sites provide greater opportunities.

The recommendation of placing the project at the MLK Park site seems to provide a good setting for creating the innovative community asset that the City of Winter Park needs. Merging the Civic Center function with the Library does create synergies that should be considered. The successful project will need to serve current and emerging civic needs of the next 50 years.

The number of community outreach meetings and Civic Forums that have been conducted appear to validate the process and conclusions of the Task Force.

This is clearly a major undertaking by the City of Winter Park. My opinion is that the process has been a very professional, community oriented effort. The City should now be well prepared to move the project forward."